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Girlpower

Program Length: 1 hour
Produced: 1998

This program examines some of the issues around an evolved form of the Feminist movement, called Girl Power. Journalists, musicians, activists and viewers react to female musicians' work and develop ideas about whether or not they are positive or negative influences on children. Children are included in the debate to test some of the ideas.
The following discussion activities appear chronologically as they occur in the video. Discussion leaders may use them all, or select those that best suit the group and the time frame.

The panelists are:
Bif Naked, musician;
Libby Scheier, writer;
Susan Cole, entertainment editor, Now magazine;
Carly Stasko, editor, uncool zine;
Debbie Stoller, editor, Bust magazine and Shift online;
Tyler Stewart, drummer, Bare Naked Ladies.

1. What is Girl Power all about?
Why is it called 'Girl Power' when its spokespersons are women? Is Girl Power for girls, women, or both? What kinds of power are involved? Buying power? Political power? Sexual power? What is Boy Power? Does Girl Power increase at the expense of Boy Power?
Do The Spice Girls communicate Girl Power? Does Madonna communicate Girl Power? Does the Lilith Fair communicate Girl Power? Do each of these communicate a different kind of Girl Power? Explain.

2. Love Your Self
“You've got to love yourself, whoever you are. You can improve yourself but you're never going to change it. So love yourself and love the people around you and that's what it's all about.” - Sporty Spice
Is this the message of Girl Power? How can someone love themselves? In what ways can we improve ourselves, and what can we never change? Does Sporty Spice practice her own advice?
Is Girl Power about being sexy? Are The Spice girls sexy? Are the beauty pageant contestants sexy? How is Marilyn Monroe sexy? Is Girl Power about 'taking those traditional images of women and making them more powerful?' What are the 'traditional images of women?' How can these traditional images be 'made more powerful?'

3. Confidence
We see Avi Lewis reading In A Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development by Carol Gilligan. He tells us, 'At the age of 9 most girls are supremely confident. By 12 or 13 most girls are acting the way they think other people want them to.' How do you account for the differences in behaviours between 9-and 13-year-old girls? What causes girls to lose confidence as they grow older? Are the air banding girls we see experiencing Girl Power? Explain. Do you think these girls will air band when they are 16? Why?

4. Buying Power
Girl Power means women bought 51.4 % of recorded music sold in United States last year. Is it fair or accurate to interpret Girl Power in terms of buying power? If women buy more recorded music than men, does that make women more powerful?
Do women produce and market the music, or do men? Does a person's choice in music translate into power? How?

5. Lilith Fair
What do you know about the Lilith Fair? 700,000 fans attended in 1997. There is also a 1998 Lilith Fair. Does the Lilith fair increase Girl Power? How?

6. Critical Viewing
Is it possible to watch TV critically?
How does a person watch TV critically?
What does it mean to watch TV uncritically?
What does somebody have to learn to be able to watch TV critically?
Where can we learn it?
Is watching critically easier to do by yourself or in a group? Why?

7. Diet pop or the real thing?
Are the Spice Girls diet pop or the real thing?
This question is an analogy. What is an analogy? What does it mean to say ‘the Spice Girls are diet pop?’ What does it mean to say ‘the Spice Girls are the real thing?'
How does this question relate to Girl Power?
Do the Spice Girls have the appearance of Girl Power without the substance?

8. Power From Within
“Girl Power is not something you consume. It's something you make yourself. It's not a market, it's a movement.“ - Carly
How is Girl Power sold to girls? How can Girl Power be made by yourself?
Is homemade Girl Power more important than store bought Girl Power? What does homemade Girl Power look like? What does store bought Girl Power look like?

9. Unhealthy Messages
“The Spice Girls are watered down, distorted, non-threatening, un-useful things to sell to young girls in my opinion.” - Libby
Are the Spice Girls 'watered down, distorted, non-threatening, un-useful things to sell to young girls?’ Are the Spice Girls harmful to young girls? How? How might the Spice Girls be beneficial to young girls?

10. Research Girls' Intelligence
“Girls are intelligent and discerning enough to decide what is Girl Power and what isn't.” Audience member
Research some young girls. Are they Spice Girls fans? Why or why not? What is it about The Spice Girls that they find attractive? What are they gaining by being fans? Who else do the young girls admire? What is the relationship between the Spice Girls and the other people they admire? Is there an age past which you can't find any Spice Girl fans? Can you find someone who was a Spice Girls fan but is no longer ? What caused him or her to lose enthusiasm? Has he or she found new heroes somewhere else? Where?

11. The Balance of Power
Does Girl Power have to occur at the expense of Boy Power? Can girls and boys share power? Are girls willing to share power? Are boys willing to share power?

12. Male Abuse
In the London Free Press, Paul Sutter wrote a column suggesting a shift in the portrayal of men as victims, rather than perpetrators, in music videos. “It appears to be a different playing field out there, with degrading images of men now readily accepted. Perhaps today’s programmers are turning a blind eye to videos involving male victims.”
We see a clip from the music video Honey, by Mariah Carey, where a woman knocks a man to the floor. We also see a clip from the music video My Addiction, by Dayna Manning, where a woman crawls along the outside of a transport truck and punches the driver in the face. Are these scenes part of a new trend of women abusing men, or are they unusual? Are there other scenes in music videos that depict women dominating men? Where? Is this a trend?

13. Equality
An audience member suggests that the Backstreet Boys are the male equivalent of the Spice Girls. Are the Backstreet Boys the male equivalent of the Spice Girls? How are they similar? How are they different? If the Spice Girls are promoting Girl Power, are the Backstreet Boys promoting Boy Power? Are there young boys air banding to the music of The Backstreet Boys? Why? Which bands promote power for boys?

14. Aggressors in Music Video
'A recent U.S. study about violence in music videos found 78% of the time the aggressor is male. 46% of victims in violent videos are female.' How does this statistic relate to Mr. Cutter's concerns? Does support or refute it?

15. Femininity as a Costume
“Madonna showed that femininity was a costume, and it is something women can play with.” - Debbie
How can femininity be a 'costume?’ How can women 'play with their femininity?’ Does this knowledge increase Girl Power? How?

16. Frivolous vs. Serious Artists
“Serious artists get squeezed out by corporate marketing.“ - Libby
Are there artists with legitimate statements about Feminism whose voices are not being promoted by the music companies? Are they losing out because of popular artists like the Spice Girls? Why might music companies prefer the Spice Girls to other female artists?

17. The Trojan Horse
“The Spice Girls are a Trojan horse. They established that Feminists are not monsters. Now it's our turn to keep the movement going.” - Debbie
What does 'Trojan horse' mean? Where did the term come from? In what way are the Spice Girls a Trojan horse? What barrier have the Spice Girls pushed through? How will all women benefit from The Spice Girls' success?
18. A Rainbow of Femininity
“The Spice Girls represent a rainbow of femininity; there are several different forms. Sporty, Posh, Scary” - Vicky from Montreal.
Do the Spice Girls represent all the possible ways of being feminine? What ways of being feminine are being left out of their act? How might these omissions influence some girls? Which female artists present a more complete representation of being feminine? How?

19. Way Too Seriously
“Adults are taking the Spice Girls way too seriously.” - Audience member
Are adults taking the Spice Girls way too seriously? Why do you think adults take them seriously at all? What do you think they are afraid of? Why shouldn't they take them seriously?

20. Rave Power
We see the group of young girls air banding a Spice Girls song during a rave at a popular Toronto club. What are the air banding girls getting from this experience? (self-esteem, celebrity, playing a role) Why do you think they have chosen specific roles (Baby, Posh, Scary) to mimic? Are these girls experiencing Girl Power? Does this role-playing prepare them to practice Girl Power when they are older? How?

21. Contradictions
“The Spice Girls' dress contradicts Girl Power.” - Audience member.
Do you agree with this statement? How would you describe the Spice Girls' dress? Does their dress express individuality? Does their dress express Girl Power? If not, what kind of dress does express Girl Power? Does Ani de Franco wear clothes that express Girl Power? Does Madonna wear clothes that express Girl Power? What kinds of clothes express Girl Power best? Who is wearing them? Are you wearing them? Why?

22. Disposable Feminity
“If I were one of these people who really care about Girl Power I would worry about the Spice Girls because they are so disposable. When they get thrown out will Girl Power get thrown out with it?” - Audience member
Is Girl Power a trend? Who will carry the message of Girl Power after the Spice Girls?

23. Parental Advisory
Is 2become1 too much for nine-year-olds? Read the lyrics and discuss whether or not nine-year holds would understand or be shocked by the lyrics. Why might the caller not want her sister exposed to those lyrics? Do you think she should be concerned? Why?

24. Unacceptable Dress
“The style of dress is unacceptable for the audience they project their music to.” - Michelle Kentucky USA.
What is the Spice Girls' style of dress? Who are the Spice Girls' audience? Why might their style of dress be unacceptable for their audience?

25. Parents' Opinions?
If you were the parent of a nine-year old girl, why might you be concerned about the Spice Girls? How would the Spice Girls help your daughter to grow up with a positive attitude? What negative messages might your daughter take from the Spice Girls? What messages about girls or Girl Power do you think nine-year-old boys take from the Spice Girls? Should nine-year-old boys be afraid or assured? Find some younger boys and girls and discover what they think about Girl Power, Boy Power, The Back Street Boys, etc. Report your findings.

26. Girl Power and Feminism
Are Girl Power and Feminism the same thing? Are they different ways of saying the same thing? Is Girl Power to nine-year-olds what Feminism is to twenty- one-year-olds? Are today's Girl Power fans tomorrow's Feminists? Or do the Spice Girls set them up to be dominated by male ideas of Femininity? Are The Spice Girls Barbie dolls in the flesh?

27. Male Point of View?
Avi Lewis wrote and produced this program. How might the program be different if it had a female host, writer, and producer? Would it be better to listen to a female host discuss Girl Power with the panel and guests? Is it okay for a male to lead this discussion? How would the program be different if there were more male guests? Are the only artists who promote Girl Power females? Or are there some male artists who promote equal power between the sexes?

Written by: Neil Andersen
Neil Andersen is an award-winning Curriculum Consultant with the Toronto District School Board. He is also a speaker and consultant in media and communications technology. His most recent work includes the Between the Lines CDs, the teachers' study guide for the award-winning Scanning Television, and study guides for Space, Bravo! and MuchMusic's Cable in the Classroom broadcasts of original media literacy programming.

 




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The following programs air at 4 am ET on MuchMusic on the dates indicated:

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January 14, 2009 – MuchTalks: The Bully Factor

A round-table discussion with an audience that examines why bullying happens in schools and what students, parents and teachers can do about it.  Includes accounts from Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child and Jo O'Meara of S Club 7, both former victims of bullying.

January 21, 2009 – MuchTalks: Teen Sex

MuchMusic provides an indepth look at teen sex.  A live studio audience and a panel of teens and experts - including renowned sex educator Sue Johanson - explore the issues:  the commercialization of sexuality, STDs, abstinence, and more

January 28, 2009 – MuchTalks: Violence

A lively debate about the culture of violence.  Topics include: violence in music, video games, movies, and other forms of media.

February 4, 2009 – Womaging

Explores the issue of body image, combining feedback from an expert in the field of body image with discussion by influential female artists including former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and TLC.

February 11, 2009 – Inside your Threads

Examines the working conditions of “sweatshop” employees in Mexico and Bangladesh and provides an updated perspective on this controversial issue for Canadian youth via music.   Viewers follow three Canadian recording artists, Sam Roberts, Hawksley Workman, and Jully Black, as they encounter Mexican and Bangladeshi youth struggling to earn a living wage at a variety of apparel factories.

February 18, 2009 –  MuchTalks: Climate Change

MuchTalks: Climate Change explores what is arguably today’s most pressing environmental concern. VJ Hannah Simone and members of Sum 41 investigate the causes and impact of global warming, and highlight outstanding Canadian youth striving to make a difference. The documentary-style program also provides action steps and information for MuchMusic viewers who want to get involved and combat climate change.

February 24, 2009 – By Their Own Hand

"By Their Own Hand" examines the interrelation of creativity, depression and suicide. The program looks at a variety of music videos that address the subject of suicide, and interviews therapists, artists and critics to understand the connection between music, art, mood disorders and suicide.

March 4, 2009 - Much Talks: Too Hot or Not

Where do we draw the line when it comes to sexuality in music videos?  When does an image change from sexy to sexist?  MuchMusic examines this question with a live audience, panelists including video director Little X, and commentary from such sexy video stalwarts as Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Madonna.

March 11, 2009 – Much Talks Body Image

Join MuchMusic for an in-depth look at body image and today's teens.  From plastic surgery and eating disorders to media images and self-esteem, MuchMusic looks at society's obsession with body image.

March 18, 2009 – Hip Hop Consciousness

Hip hop artists discuss their efforts to effect positive change in their community, and comment on the materialism prevalent in mainstream hip hop.  Controversial artists like Eminem and Dead Prez contribute to the debate.

March 25, 2009 - MuchTalks Climate Change

MuchTalks: Climate Change explores what is arguably today’s most pressing environmental concern. VJ Hannah Simone and members of Sum 41 investigate the causes and impact of global warming, and highlight outstanding Canadian youth striving to make a difference. The documentary-style program also provides action steps and information for MuchMusic viewers who want to get involved and combat climate change.

April 1, 2009– MuchTalks: Violence

A lively debate about the culture of violence.  Topics include: violence in music, video games, movies, and other forms of media.

April 8, 2009- MuchTalks: Too Hot or Not

Where do we draw the line when it comes to sexuality in music videos?  When does an image change from sexy to sexist?  MuchMusic examines this question with a live audience, panelists including video director Little X, and commentary from such sexy video stalwarts as Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Madonna.

April 15, 2009– Rock Stars for Sale

It used to be that musicians lost credibility if they allied themselves with a commercial product.  Now, with the line between art and commerce becoming increasingly blurry (witness Gap's recent ad campaign), the NewMusic investigates what this all means to music, the music industry, and music consumers.

April 22, 2009- Queer and Now

A special episode of The NewMusic investigates what it means to be gay in today's music industry.

April 29, 2009- MuchTalks: The Bully Factor

A round-table discussion with an audience that examines why bullying happens in schools and what students, parents and teachers can do about it.  Includes accounts from Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child and Jo O'Meara of S Club 7, both former victims of bullying.

May 6, 2009 – MuchTalks: Teen Sex

MuchMusic provides an indepth look at teen sex.  A live studio audience and a panel of teens and experts - including renowned sex educator Sue Johanson - explore the issues:  the commercialization of sexuality, STDs, abstinence, and more.

May 6, 2009 -  The NewMusic: Female Imaging Now

Female musicians seem to be relying on sexuality more than ever to promote themselves.  What influence is this having on their young female fans?

May 13, 2009 - Womaging

Explores the issue of body image, combining feedback from an expert in the field of body image with discussion by influential female artists including former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and TLC.

May 20, 2009 - Inside your Threads

Examines the working conditions of “sweatshop” employees in Mexico and Bangladesh and provides an updated perspective on this controversial issue for Canadian youth via music.   Viewers follow three Canadian recording artists, Sam Roberts, Hawksley Workman, and Jully Black, as they encounter Mexican and Bangladeshi youth struggling to earn a living wage at a variety of apparel factories.

May 27, 2009 - MuchTalks: Body Image

Join MuchMusic for an in-depth look at body image and today's teens.  From plastic surgery and eating disorders to media images and self-esteem, MuchMusic looks at society's obsession with body image.

 

 

 






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